Chun Yuen Quan is skill that originated in the Northern Shaolin
temple in Henan Province, China. However the skill then passed down
through the Beijing Opera. The forms have retained more of their martial
qualities than modern Wushu and have more intricate weapon forms such
as the long-tasseled sword and long flag Dao.
Chun Yuen Quan is very good for health and will make the body
light and flexible and also improves the posture and makes the joints
strong. Internally it also builds up strong circulation and Qi.
Master Wu Chun Yuen, who taught Michael Tse, learned the skill from
Master Wang Ping who was a trainer for the opera actors. In Chinese
opera, there are many performances which portray historical events,
particularly those remembering famous generals. So it was important that
the actors knew genuine martial art skill so that their performance was
both vivid and true.
Master Wang, because of his opera training, was very flexible and
light. However, due to the sensitive times in which they lived,
they
could not always practice openly. So Master Wang devised ways to help
his students to practice without it being obvious that he was doing so.
Instead of practising with a sword and long tassel, they might only use a
stick with a long string. However, this in no way stunted Master Wu
Chun Yuen’s skill and he developed to a very high level that not many
people can reach. Grandmaster Wu Chun Yuen was a true martial art
gentleman and his skill level was very high. He was also a very humble
person and loved the martial art skill that he practised every day.
Master Tse was introduced to Grandmaster Wu Chun Yuen many years
ago. Grandmaster Wu's skill was immediately apparent and he knew he
would like to study with him. Of Grandmaster Wu Chu Yuen, Master Tse
says, "His movements and postures are some of the best I have ever see.
Even when he was in his seventies he could do things that young people
in their twenties could not."
Sadly Grandmaster Wu passed away on the 26 February 2003 at the
age of 77. However he passed his legacy to Master Tse who renamed the
system, Chun Yuen Quan in honour of his memory.
Chun Yuen Quan is taught at:
The Garden Room, Hungate Hall, Beccles NR34 9TT
on Thursday evenings
Beginners Welcome
Contact: Sifu Natasha Etheridge
Authorised Instructor of the Tse Qigong Centre
01502 711127 / 07961 033357
http://www.norwichqigongandkungfu.co.uk/index.html